Verified Document

Theoretical Foundation Explored Within This Article Is Article Critique

Theoretical foundation explored within this article is that there is a real relationship that exists between psychotherapists and clients, and that this relationship profoundly affects the outcome of the sessions (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 495). This relationship is couched with other working relationships between the therapist and the client. Moreover, the real relationship can be analyzed from the perspective of both the client and the therapist, so that it exists within a "dyad" (Gelso et al., 20102, p. 496. One of the weaknesses of the literature review in the study completed by Gelso et al., "The unfolding of the real relationship and the outcome of brief psychotherapy" is that it is not distinguished within its own section. It is intertwined with the introduction of this document, and even extends into the hypothesis section. Additionally, the vast majority of the literature cited was conducted by the principal researcher in this study. This fact may attest to the novelty of the subject and the need for research in it, yet it certainly affects the perspective taken in the study.

One of the strengths of the literature review is that it appears to be comprehensive. The authors state that "findings have emerged regarding the association between the strength of the real relationship and psychotherapy progress and outcome…only five such studies have been completed to date" (Gelso et al.,...

496). All five of these studies are referenced -- however they could have been so in much greater detail. In general, the literature review for this document could have been more detailed and denoted within its own section. Also, the literature review alludes to newfound measures that are integral in providing empirical evidence about the real relationship between the patients and clients, yet fails to mention what these are (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 496).
Research Question/Problem

The research question addressed within this study is two-fold as evinced by the subsequent quotation:

We sought to address two research questions related to this unfolding process: (a)

What is the pattern of clients' and therapists' perceptions of the strength of the real relationship over the course of brief psychotherapy? (b) Is this pattern of change associated with treatment outcome? (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 497).

This research question could have been clearer, for the simple fact that it hinges upon aspects of the theories described in the introduction section that are not mentioned in the actual question itself. For instance, it hinges upon the fact that the study will examine the real relationship after every session, and from the first session that the client and therapist meet (Gelso et al., 2012, p. 496). When all of this information is included…

Sources used in this document:
References

Gelso, Ch.J., Kivligham, D.M., Busa-Knepp, J., Spiegel, E.B. (2012). The unfolding of the real relationship and the outcome of brief psychotherapy. Journal of Counseling Psychology. 59 (4), 495-506.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Parent and Child Communication Article Review
Words: 1871 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

Keijsers, L., & Poulin, F. (2013, March 11). Developmental changes in parent -- child communication throughout adolescence. Developmental Psychology, 49(12), 2301-2308. doi:10.1037/a0032217 The science of Developmental Psychology purposes and endeavors to elucidate the change that comes about in both children and adults in the course of time. I have decided to focus and lay emphasis on this topic as the most change takes place in the course of a person's lifespan

Employment Discrimination at Wal-Mart Foundation of the
Words: 5383 Length: 15 Document Type: Essay

Employment Discrimination at Wal-Mart Foundation of the Study This study examines the legislative and judicial climate that enables corporations like Wal-Mart to engage in practices that violate workers' rights. The popular consensus is that Wal-Mart, the largest retail store in the United States, displays an inordinate disregard for the human dignity and morale of its employees and, despite continual litigation, continues to blatantly violate the legal rights of its employees. Wal-Mart faces

Organizational Values Organizational Foundations Visiting
Words: 625 Length: 2 Document Type: Discussion Chapter

It provides health-related advice on its website that all readers can benefit from, not simply those who use its services. As well as reaching out to the wider population of patients, it honors those within its fold who serve the organization with nights such as its "Celebrating Our Talent" ceremony designed to honor organizational members who have shown excellence in their duties (Boyd 2012). The climate at the organization stresses

Wikis Within an Organization if Technically Create
Words: 991 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Wikis Within an Organization If technically create wiki, explore read multiple existing wiki sites a substitute exercise.) This reading give ideas wikis organizations: Grace, P.L. (2009). What is a wiki and how can it be useful for an organization? A wiki is basically a webpage that anyone can be able to view and edit its content as long as one has an active internet connection, wikis are easy to edit, and since

Anthropology Historical Foundations of Anthropology
Words: 7138 Length: 23 Document Type: Essay

Gift giving creates a bond between the giver and the receiver. Mauss felt that to reject a gift, was to reject the social bond attached to it. Likewise, to fail to reciprocate is viewed as a dishonorable act in some cultures. Gift giving is a means to create social cohesion among the group. What Distinctive contributions did Weber make to social theory? Weber used his work to attempt to understand the

Panic and Anxiety Disorders
Words: 1371 Length: 5 Document Type: Research Paper

Anxiety Disorders - Panic Anxiety Disorder -- Panic Attacks The study of abnormal psychology has, in the past three centuries, developed to become a science that provides understanding to professionals and laymen alike about the nature and dynamics of psychological disorders that extraordinarily affects human behavior. Among the identified psychological disorders in the field of abnormal psychology, it is anxiety disorder that can be said as the most common yet unexplored category.

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now